Biomedical subjects

L Krassner

Publications and source records attributed to L Krassner.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1992

The impact of influenza vaccination on respiratory illness at a boarding school.

We studied the impact of influenza vaccine during an outbreak of influenza at a 989-student boarding school in January to March, 1989. By February 6, 120 (17%) of 690 students completing survey questionnaires had been ill with fever and respiratory symptoms. Eighty-seven students had received influenza vaccine in the previous 18 months; these students had an attack rate half that of the unvaccinated students (9% v 19%; vaccine efficacy = 50%, confidence interval = 0%-70%). We estimate that, if the entire student body had been vaccinated, influenza-like illness could have been prevented in 162 students (16% of the school), and that preventing this illness could have avoided at least 482 student-days of missed classes, or approximately one student-day for each 1.8 additional doses of vaccine given. This study suggests that, when feasible, a broad influenza immunization policy for healthy students at residential schools should substantially decrease the disruption of school activities caused by influenza.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1988

Normal splenic function in children with the nephrotic syndrome.

Children with the idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (NS) are known to be susceptible to bacterial infections. A recent report suggested that splenic hypofunction may be responsible for this immunological defect. We assessed splenic function by counting the circulating pocked red blood cells (PkRBCs) using interference phase contrast microscopy. PkRBCs are removed by the spleen, so that normal eusplenic individuals have less than 2% PkRBCs while asplenics have 15%-30%. Intermediate values are seen in hyposplenism. Thirty-three measurements of PkRBCs were made in 19 children with NS (mean age 7.5 +/- 0.8 years). PkRBCs were normal in all children tested (range 0-0.8%), including two patients with bacterial peritonitis associated with relapse. Thus we were unable to find evidence of hyposplenism in children with NS.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1984

TIPP usage.

In recent years, physicians have become more concerned about the prevention of childhood accidents. Developed to help physicians teach parents how to avoid unintentional injury, The Injury Prevention Program (TIPP) is significant because anticipatory guidance has now been recognized as being as much a part of routine health supervision as the history and physical examination. The American Academy of Pediatrics' policy statement enclosed with each TIPP package states five goals that deal with major causes of childhood mortality; three can be achieved with a single purchase or action--buying a smoke alarm, buying a bottle of ipecac, and turning down hot water temperature. TIPP comprises three elements: A parent questionnaire (the Framingham safety survey) is used to identify at-risk behavior. Safety sheets to be handed out at the next visit reinforce the information provided by the physician in his or her discussion of the questionnaire results. A model counseling schedule suggests how to incorporate the questionnaire and safety sheets into an effective office program. By gradually phasing TIPP into an office practice, physicians can become familiar with TIPP materials and integrate it in a controlled manner. The AAP Committee on Accident and Poison Prevention is studying measures to increase the usefulness of TIPP.

Accident Prevention↗